One Nation, Under Gods

We hear so much about this being a Christian nation that it becomes a standard talking point in our modern society. In reading this book, one sees that Christianity has, indeed, always been the dominant faith in the United States, but that other beliefs have had a great influence upon this nation. While the current idea of "religious freedom" bills, used mainly to promote Christianity and suppress the freedom of others, is frightening, we learn that such ideas are nothing new in the United States. Further, we learn that people who have different ideas than the majority have survived and often thrived. Throughout the book, I have highlighted passages that can be used to refute some of the arguments made by those who try to pass repressive laws under the guise of religious freedom. This book should be read by people of all faiths and people with no faith at all. For Christians, it should become obvious that other faiths have always been present in the United States and that they have strengthened, not weakened, this country. For non Christians, it provides a good perspective and offers hope. Interesting too, is Ronald Reagan's vision of a City on a Hill, but a city with doors that allow asylum seekers to enter. It flies in the face of the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Donald Trump. This book is rich in history, with lessons for modern society. I highly recommend it.

A good read about different religions introduced into N. America. I'm not sure any great conclusion are there except that people are tenacious about their personal religion. Lots of interesting historical details. A bit hard to get started but I had to finish it. jb

An outstanding reexamination and description of traditional or accepted American history. One Nation, Under Gods is a well researched book. Like any good author of history, Peter Manseau, does an excellent task of researching into the lives of the history makers and their commonly known and accepted actions. However, he goes much deeper, and also includes people and events normally hidden from history's gaze but essential to the True understanding of History. In summary - I found the book a fascinating, comprehensive, and realistic exploration of American history and religion's role.

Very informative,but also hard to read. Lots and lots of history, but that is why I ordered it.

My favorite history books are the ones that recount a familiar period of history from a completely new, paradigm-altering perspective. Manseau does this masterfully, skillfully weaving the personal histories of many fascinating and ultimately important characters into a cohesive story about the pluralistic origins of this country. He is a beautiful writer. I found myself rereading passages for the sheer pleasure of it. This is an important book, and I don't say that lightly. The clarity and perspective he provides are so desperately needed in our increasingly polarized and sectarian society. I hope it achieves the popularity it deserves.

A wonderful book, much needed in this time of false claims from some Christians that the US is solely a "Christian Nation". I have learned many many new things, from Cotton Mather advocating an early form of vaccination, to the fact that many African slaves brought to the US were Muslims, to the syncretization of Native American beliefs with those of the European settlers. And I'm only half way through the book. It also have a very good notes section in the back.

This did not disappoint. It's well-written and well organized, each chapter detailing a particular non-mainstream religious influence that has been largely ignored by the American homeland mythology of 'one land united under a single God' i.e. a Protestant white father figure dispensing grace to only the 'chosen'. This kind of book should be mandatory reading in high-school history classes, it would help improve the lack of historical education we see such glaring examples of every day. The author doesn't overdo it or counter-proselytize but presents well-researched facts often buried deep and hidden in our history.

Great book, wonderful research!